For those who may not be aware, Poker is a game with many different variants. However, the most popular variation of the game that we play today is Hold ‘Em.
While luck is not all that is involved in Texas Hold ‘Em, the game, as any other casino game, does involve a bit of luck. However, poker, more than any game is boosted by the skill of the player. And Texas Hold ‘Em is one of the most demanding games in terms of skill. However, ultimately, the game is still massively luck based. While the math isn’t precise, most veterans have claimed that a game of poker is 10% skill and 90% luck.
The main difference is in how the cards are dealt. In Texas Hold ‘Em, all players are dealt two cards. After the initial bets are placed, the dealer then starts taking out card after card from the deck, until there are five on the table. The goal of the game is to get a five-card poker hand.
It is impossible to say how long a game will last. There are too many variables to say for certain, however, if we take the averages we can come up with a number. Usually, a game of poker is played by six people. So, if we take six players, the standard Texas Hold ‘Em game will take an hour to finish. However, this all changes depending on the situation. If you are playing in a tournament, a game might last 2+ hours, depending on the skill level of the tournament.
When playing Texas Hold ‘Em, remember Kenny Roger’s words. “You gotta know when to hold ‘em, and know when to fold ‘em.” Sometimes, your hand is bad, and bluffing isn’t worth the risk. When this happens, rather than digging the hole deeper for yourself, throw your hand down and wait for the next round. Alternatively, when you have a great hand, even if the other players are being aggressive, make sure you are playing even more aggressively. A great hand is usually not going to be beaten.
The best hand to get in Texas Hold ‘em is the royal flush. For those who may not know a royal flush is getting a sequence of cards that start with a 10 and end with the Ace (in other words 10, Jack, Queen, King, Ace).
The worst hand in the game, according to experts and game veterans is getting an off-suit 2 and 7. The reason these two are considered bad is that they are the lowest cards that can be dealt that can’t form a straight. And since they are off-suit, they also can’t grant you a flush. So, in other words, a 2 and a 7 off-suit pair is the worst possible hand you can get.
In Texas Hold ‘em, as is the case in any poker variant, the best possible starting hand is getting multiple aces. In this case, the best option is getting two aces, commonly known as pocket rockets.
Veterans and experts have concluded that the average player folds about 30% of the time. This is largely encouraged, as folding when you have a bad hand keeps you in the game longer, meaning you have a better chance of reclaiming the bets you’ve lost.
The biggest mistake that new players make is to get frustrated when they are dealt a losing hand. The best thing you can do is retain a calm and now let the other players see your “tells”. Some “tells” include staring at your hands, staring at the floor, slowing down your movements, and staring at the board.